Amazon Leo: What It Is and When Amazon’s Satellite Internet Arrives
Amazon Leo is Amazon’s satellite internet service — known as Project Kuiper until November 2025 — and the first Starlink rival with real muscle behind it: a planned constellation of 3,232 satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). As of mid-2026 it is half-built, with just over 400 satellites launched, serving only selected companies in a preview programme. You cannot yet order it for a boat. But in February 2026 it signed its first maritime agreements, so the question is no longer whether it will reach the sea — it’s when, and at what price.
Here is everything known to date, with sources, and what it means if you sail.
From Project Kuiper to Amazon Leo
Amazon announced its constellation in 2019 as Project Kuiper, launched its first production satellites in April 2025, and rebranded the project as Amazon Leo in November 2025, with commercialisation in sight.
The milestones that define its real timeline:
- Constellation: 3,232 satellites planned for the first generation. As of mid-2026, just over 400 are in orbit, and Amazon has requested an extension from the FCC, which required half the constellation deployed by July 2026.
- Consumer beta: expected in late 2026 in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany. Broad, stable coverage is more realistic in 2027.
- Pricing: not announced. An official waitlist is live at leo.amazon.com.
The Three Announced Terminals
Amazon has unveiled three user terminals, all designed for simple installation with a Wi-Fi router included:
| Terminal | Download speed | Size | Target user |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leo Nano | up to 100 Mbps | 18 × 18 cm (7”) | light and portable use |
| Leo Pro | up to 400 Mbps | 28 × 28 cm (11”) | homes and small business |
| Leo Ultra | up to 1 Gbps down, 400 Mbps up | 50 × 76 cm, ~17 kg | enterprise — and, predictably, vessels |
The Leo Ultra is the one aimed at the sea: a full-duplex dual phased-array antenna that Amazon presents as the fastest commercial unit of its class in production, targeting operations that today rely on enterprise VSAT or multiple Starlink antennas in parallel. Hardware pricing is not official yet either.
Amazon Leo Is Already Looking at the Sea
The most relevant move for the marine sector came in February 2026: Amazon signed its first maritime distribution agreements with MTN and ELCOME, two veteran integrators, to resell Amazon Leo for merchant shipping, offshore energy, commercial fishing and yachting.
What that move implies:
- Leo enters the sea through the professional segment, not through individual sailors: fleets, cruise operators, offshore platforms and managed superyachts will be the first customers.
- The maritime service is in an enterprise preview, built around the Leo Ultra terminal, with no public rates.
- Broad commercial rollout is expected in 2027, once the constellation provides sufficient ocean coverage.
Amazon Leo vs Starlink at Sea, Today
The honest comparison as of August 2026 is short, because one of the two is not competing yet:
| Amazon Leo | Starlink Maritime | |
|---|---|---|
| Operational satellites | ~400 (of 3,232 planned) | over 6,000 |
| Maritime service | enterprise preview, via resellers | commercial since 2022, global ocean coverage |
| Retail availability | not available | available today |
| Maritime pricing | not announced | public |
| Most powerful terminal | Leo Ultra: 1 Gbps ↓ / 400 Mbps ↑ | Flat High Performance |
When Amazon publishes rates and real coverage, we will update this comparison with numbers. Until then, any “Leo vs Starlink” table with prices is made up.
What It Means for Your Vessel
- If you need internet on board this season, there is no debate: Starlink Maritime is the only system in this category you can install today, with global coverage and established support.
- If you manage a fleet, a charter company or a superyacht, put Amazon Leo on your 2027 radar. Competition between two LEO constellations will push prices down, and a 1 Gbps terminal opens new scenarios for data-heavy operations.
- If your operation demands redundancy (offshore, commercial vessels), the future combination of two independent LEO constellations will be a serious alternative to the classic VSAT-plus-LEO backup setup.
What no honest advisor can tell you today is “wait for Leo” or “Leo will be better”: with no pricing, no complete coverage and no operational track record at sea, Amazon Leo is a promising candidate — not an orderable option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Amazon Leo for my boat today?
No. As of August 2026, Amazon Leo operates in an enterprise preview with selected companies and through maritime resellers such as MTN and ELCOME. There is no public pricing and no retail channel for individual customers.
When will Amazon Leo reach Europe?
A consumer beta is expected in late 2026 in the US, Canada, the UK, France and Germany, with broader rollout more realistic in 2027. Spain has authorised testing since May 2026, with retail sales estimated between late 2026 and mid-2027.
Will Amazon Leo be cheaper than Starlink?
Nobody knows. Amazon has not announced service pricing, on land or at sea. Analysts expect aggressive pricing to compete with Starlink, but until official rates exist, any figure is speculation.
Should I wait for Amazon Leo before installing Starlink?
If you need connectivity this season, no: Starlink Maritime works today, with global ocean coverage and public pricing. Amazon Leo’s broad maritime offering is not expected before 2027, and it will reach enterprise customers first.
Wondering which system fits your vessel and sailing pattern? Contact us for free advice. We will keep updating this guide as Amazon publishes dates and prices.
Sources
- Amazon’s satellite internet comes to maritime customers (About Amazon, February 2026)
- Amazon Leo debuts gigabit-speed ‘Ultra’ antenna (About Amazon)
- Amazon Leo signs first maritime deals with MTN and Elcome (Via Satellite, February 2026)
Amazon Leo is a trademark of Amazon.com, Inc. InternetenelMar is not affiliated with Amazon or SpaceX.
Related guides
- Offshore internet: the full comparison of every technology: Starlink, Amazon Leo, VSAT, Iridium, OneWeb and 4G head to head.
- Starlink Maritime: the complete guide: what it is, how it works and what to expect at sea.
- How much Starlink costs for a boat (2026 pricing): hardware, monthly plans and real costs.